Pharmacology Discussion Questions

Running head: PHARMACOLOGY 1
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PHARMACOLOGY 2
Autonomic Discussion Questions
Name the neurotransmitter that is affected by benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are anxiolytics that also affect cognizance, emotional response, motor
coordination, and consciousness. Benzodiazepines acts on the neurotransmitter, GABA (Gamma
Amino Butyric Acid).
Does the drug, named above, increase or decrease its effect(s)?
Benzodiazepines enhance the efficacy of the synaptic transmission of GABA by binding
to its receptors.
Describe status epilepticus? What drug class is used to treat this condition?
Status epilepticus is a neurological disorder that occurs when seizures last too long or
repetitively such that the patient does not recover within these episodes. The disorder can either
be convulsive or non-convulsive. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam are used to treat Status
epilepticus by bind to the benzodiazepines-GABA and barbiturate-receptor complex; therefore,
increasing the inhibition of the neurotransmitter.
List at least 5 symptoms of major unipolar depression. What are 3 side effects of SSRI
drugs?
Major unipolar depression is a mental health condition that affects both males and
females, but the females are at higher risk of developing the illness than men. The following
symptoms characterize it: psychomotor agitation or retardation; suicidal thoughts; sudden loss or
gain in weight; insomnia or hyperinsomnia; and loss of interest in daily activities. SSRI drugs are
used to treat major unipolar depression but have several side effects such as xerostomia,
drowsiness, and nausea (Sultana, Spina & Trifiro, 2015).

PHARMACOLOGY 3
Name the type of antidepressant that is best for the elderly depressed patient? Why is it
preferred?
Depression is a significant concern among the elderly, and it is essential that it is properly
diagnosed and treated. Untreated patients are likely to have suicidal thoughts, adverse health
conditions, and overall poor quality of life (Sultana, Spina & Trifiro, 2015). A patient’s
physiological heterogeneity determines their response to medication. The effective
antidepressants for the elderly are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) since they
exhibit better tolerance and marginal side effects to a patient’s body (Sultana, Spina & Trifiro,
2015). For instance, citalopram, an SSRI, has diminished risks of pharmacokinetic interactions
since they have no effect a patient’s cytochrome P450 system.
List three symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. Use the medical terminology.
Parkinson’s disease affects the brain’s capacity to coordinate movements. Individuals
with Parkinson’s disease have nerve cells that degenerate slowly and ultimately lose the ability to
produce dopamine: a chemical responsible for the control of movements (DeLong et al., 2014).
Patients with these disorder experience bradykinesia, which is the slowness of movement due to
fatigue and weakness (DeLong et al., 2014). Besides, most patients experience postural
instability due to failed brain reflexes that control balance. Also, the patients may experience
progressive muscle rigidity and stiffness that often causes cramping and discomfort.
Explain the effects of dopamine and acetylcholine on movement. What happens to these
neurotransmitters with Parkinson’s Disease?
The neurons in the substantia nigra are responsible for the production of dopamine, which
controls movement (DeLong et al., 2014). Patients with Parkinson’s disease have nerve cells that
die off minimizing the amount of dopamine produced. When the dopamine levels decrease, a